4:12a

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as There is only one Lawgiver and Judge is more literally “There is one lawgiver and judge” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The Berean Standard Bible and New International Version (2011 Revision) add the word only to make the meaning clearer in English.

The Greek text does not say explicitly who the Lawgiver and Judge is. But to James’ readers, it was obvious from the rest of the sentence that it is God. In some languages, it may be necessary to mention God explicitly. For example:

God is the only lawgiver and judge. (Good News Translation)

Lawgiver: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lawgiver is a noun. In some languages, it is more natural to translate the word Lawgiver as a clause. For example:

the giver of the law
-or-
the one who gave the law

It may also be more natural to use a verb other than “give.” For example:

the one who made the law
-or-
God who wrote/commanded laws
-or-
God is where the law came from

Judge: Here the word Judge refers to God. He is the ultimate judge. He is the only one who has authority over the law and can be its judge. He is the only one who has authority to judge people concerning their eternal destiny (4:12b). This contrasts with humans, who do not have authority to judge the law, nor to decide the eternal destiny of people. In some languages, it may be good to make this contrast explicit. For example:

true Judge
-or-
ultimate Judge of the law and people

In some languages, it is more natural to translate the noun Judge as a clause. For example:

one who can judge all things

4:12b

the One who is able to save: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to save means “to rescue from danger or trouble”. In this context, it refers to God rescuing people from eternal death and punishment.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

to free us from punishment
-or-
to rescue people
-or-
save from eternal death

This word also occurs in 1:21d and 2:14d.

4:12c

and destroy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as destroy refers to eternal ruin and loss. It does not refer to an end of existence. Another way to translate this word is:

to punish us eternally

4:12d

But who are you to judge your neighbor?: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses a rebuke. James used this rhetorical question to rebuke those who were judging their neighbors. He has just stated in 4:12a–c that judging is God’s work. This rhetorical question implies, “You have no right to do that!”

Some ways to translate this rebuke are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Who do you think you are, to judge someone else? (Good News Translation)
-or-
Why do you(sing) judge your neighbor?
-or-
Do you now think that you are that type of person that has power to judge his fellow person?

• As a statement. For example:

So it is not right for you to judge your neighbor. (New Century Version)

Translate this rebuke in a way that is natural in your language.

But who are you: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But indicates a contrast. The contrast is between the word “One” (in 4:12b), that is, God, and you. James emphasized the pronoun you by making it the first word of this sentence and the New International Version (2011 Revision) reflects this emphasis by repeating the word you:

But you—who are you (New International Version (2011 Revision))

Verse 4:12d is also the conclusion to this paragraph. Another way to connect 4:12d to the rest of the verse is:

So (God’s Word)

judge: The word judge is the same word as in 4:11c. Some ways to translate it are:

• Follow the advice given at 4:11c:

condemn
-or-
harshly/severely accuse your neighbor of doing wrong
-or-
criticize/rebuke your neighbor in a mean/unkind manner

• Use your word for the work of a judge:

judge (verb)

• Combine both options (Both translation options (with the word “judge” or not) probably preserve part of James’ logic. 1) Using the word “judge” connects with James’ statement that there is only one Judge. God has the authority to judge people; we do not have authority to judge our brother or neighbor. 2) When we judge in the sense of “harshly criticizing” our brother, we fail to keep the command to love our neighbor. We, therefore, judge the law. But there is only one who has authority to judge the law, the one who gave it. We do not have this authority. Therefore, we do not have the right to judge our neighbor.) above:

criticize and judge

your neighbor: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as neighbor includes anyone that you know. It does not just mean someone who lives nearby or someone who belongs to the same language-group.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

someone else (Good News Translation)
-or-
anyone (Contemporary English Version)

The word neighbor also occurs in 2:8c–d.

© 2012 by SIL International®

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.